Legendary funkmaster George Clinton -- leader of the Parliament-Funkadelic -- is being hospitalized for a staph infection in his leg ... TMZ has learned.

Clinton's rep tells us ... 69-year-old George went to see his doctor for a routine check-up when the decision was made to keep him in the facility so Clinton could receive proper treatment for a staph infection in one of his legs.

The rep adds, "He will be just fine. Thank you for all your prayers and concern."